Acadêmicos de Santa Cruz wins Série Prata and returns to Sapucaí in 2027
Acadêmicos de Santa Cruz has won the Série Prata in the 2026 Carnival and will return to the prestigious Sapucaí for the 2027 parade after a four-year absence.
'I am not the samba designer,' says Lula about criticism of the Acadêmicos de Niterói parade that honored him
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva responded to criticism of the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school's parade, stating he is simply a honoree and not involved in the parade's creation.
Lula says that the tribute from the Niterói Academics, relegated in Carnival, was extraordinary
President Lula praised the tribute he received from the Niterói Academics at this year's Carnival as extraordinary, despite the school's relegation.
'I'm not the carnival designer,' says Lula about criticism of the parade by Acadêmicos de Niterói that honored him
President Lula responded to criticisms regarding the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba parade, emphasizing he is not involved in its production and expressed gratitude for the honor.
Janja and ministers flew on FAB for trip to Rio with visit to Acadêmicos de Niterói
First lady Rosângela da Silva, known as Janja, flew on a military aircraft to Rio de Janeiro for a visit to a samba school's barracks, accompanied by two ministers.
Lula's Ego at the Sambadrome
The article critiques Brazilian President Lula's decision to be honored by a samba school during an election year, questioning the political implications and the risks involved for his party.
Evangelical reference in PT, Benedita says samba school has autonomy over parade
Benedita da Silva, a prominent evangelical figure in Brazil's Workers' Party (PT), supports the autonomy of the samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói to incorporate a segment critical of conservative families in its parade.
The demotion of the school was an embarrassment for Lula, but the reputation for bad luck is the least of his problems
Lula's association with the poorly-performing Acadêmicos de Niterói school raises questions about the impact on his electoral prospects.
Tarcísio celebrates the relegation of samba school that honored Lula: 'Horrible parade, it's about time'
Tarcísio de Freitas, the Governor of São Paulo, expressed satisfaction regarding the relegation of the samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói, which had honored President Lula in its parade.
Lula is irritated with friendly fire against samba school tribute
President Lula expressed irritation over the negative media response regarding the tribute to him from the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school in Rio de Janeiro.
International press reacts to the relegation of the samba school that honored Lula, Acadêmicos de Niterói
The international press has reported on the relegation of the samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói, which honored President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during the Rio Carnival.
VIDEOS: NE2 of Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The article discusses the highlights from the latest Rio Carnival, including results and notable performances.
VIDEOS: DF2 of Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The article discusses various highlights from the Rio Carnival, including winners, notable events, and controversies regarding schools and their performances.
Archdiocese of Rio contests use of family symbols after parade of Acadêmicos de Niterói
The Archdiocese of São Sebastião of Rio de Janeiro has challenged the use of Christian and family symbols in cultural expressions deemed offensive, in response to a recent samba parade.
Flávio Bolsonaro and opposition parliamentarians react to the relegation of a school that honored Lula in Sapucaí
Opposition lawmakers responded to the relegation of the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school, which honored President Lula at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
The blame for the school's relegation was not Lula's, says coordinator of Prerrogativas
Marco Aurélio Carvalho, coordinator of Prerrogativas, defends Lula’s innocence regarding the relegation of the Acadêmicos de Niterói school in the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, stating its high score in samba-enredo as evidence.
VIDEOS: Jornal Anhanguera 1st Edition Regions from Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Viradouro samba school is celebrated for winning the Carnival title, while other schools faced challenges, including Acadêmicos de Niterói's relegation.
Niterói relegated: school that honored Lula only scored 10 twice; see all scores
The Acadêmicos de Niterói school finished last in the Rio Carnival and was relegated to the Serie Ouro after scoring only 264.6 points, with only two perfect tens awarded.
School that honored Lula, Academicos de Niteroi relegated in Rio
The Academicos de Niteroi school, which honored President Lula in this year's Carnival parade, was relegated back to the Group Ouro after scoring only 264.6 points.
School that honored Lula, Acadêmicos de Niterói is relegated
The Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school, which honored President Lula in their Carnival performance, was relegated after finishing last in the Rio de Janeiro's Special Group.
Correction: appeal from Imperatriz
G1 corrected an earlier report that claimed the Imperatriz appeal regarding issues caused by the dispersion of Acadêmicos de Niterói had been accepted, clarifying that the Liga das Escolas de Samba has only received the appeal and will announce the result later.
Schools penalized for irregularities in dispersal and excessive T-shirts
Rio de Janeiro samba schools faced penalties for irregularities during the Carnival parades, although no points were deducted from their scores.
President of Grande Rio throws chair at journalists in Sapucaí
Jayder Soares, honorary president of Acadêmicos do Grande Rio, threw a chair at journalists during the school's parade at Sapucaí, highlighting rising tensions at the event.
Imperatriz has appeal accepted for 'impacted evolution' due to the dispersion of Niterói
Imperatriz Leopoldinense filed an appeal claiming their parade was adversely affected by issues with floats from Acadêmicos de Niterói that obstructed their performance.
Could Grande Rio lose points after Virginia's costume issue? Understand
Virginia Fonseca's debut as the president of the Acadêmicos do Grande Rio's drum section faced technical issues that raise questions about potential point deductions for the school.
Virginia without costume and with loose genital cover could lose points for Grande Rio? See what the regulation says
Virginia Fonseca faced issues with her costume during her debut performance leading the Acadêmicos do Grande Rio, raising questions about potential point deductions.
Vila Isabel and Salgueiro stand out on the 3rd day of the Special Group of Rio's carnival
Unidos de Vila Isabel and Acadêmicos do Salgueiro were the highlights of the third night of samba parades in Rio de Janeiro's Special Group, celebrating Brazilian personalities and ancestral heritage.
Virginia parades escorted by security in Sapucaí
Virginia Fonseca made her debut as the queen of the drum at the Acadêmicos do Grande Rio, parading through Sapucaí while being escorted by security guards.
Petista's Flattery at Sapucaí
The samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói honored President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during Carnival, raising concerns about potential electoral misconduct.
Carnival 2026: Bruna Griphao says she hasn't fully realized her debut as a muse
Bruna Griphao is preparing for her debut as a muse at the 2026 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and expresses her dedication and the pressures she feels as she joins the Acadêmicos do Salgueiro samba school.
Virginia shows nervousness before debut in carnival: 'Great day'
Virginia Fonseca expresses her excitement and nervousness as she prepares to debut as the queen of the drum at Acadêmicos do Grande Rio during Carnival 2026 in Brazil.
Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi and Pérola Negra ascend to the Special Group of São Paulo Carnival
The samba schools Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi and Pérola Negra will parade in the Special Group of the São Paulo Carnival in 2027 after leading the rankings of the Access Group.
Tucuruvi is the champion of the Access Group and will return to the elite of São Paulo's Carnival in 2027; the runner-up was Pérola Negra
The Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi samba school has been crowned champion of the São Paulo Carnival Access Group 1 for 2026 and will return to the Special Group in 2027, with Pérola Negra finishing as the vice-champion.
Academics of Niterói, who honored Lula, say they are persecuted and demand fair investigation
The samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói claims to have faced political persecution due to its tribute to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during the carnival preparations.
Imperatriz says its 'evolution was impacted' by the dispersal of Niterói and is evaluating measures
The Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school is considering legal actions after a delayed performance due to the blocking of its parade route by floats from Acadêmicos de Niterói.
Janja says she gave up on parading at Carnival to avoid 'persecution' against Lula and the samba school
First Lady Janja Lula da Silva announced her decision to refrain from parading at the Carnival to prevent potential 'persecution' of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói.
'It's a surprise', says Dira Paes about representing Dona Lindu at Acadêmicos de Niterói
'It's a surprise', says Dira Paes about being chosen to represent Dona Lindu at the Acadêmicos de Niterói carnival.
PHOTOS: See the highlights from the first day of parades of the Special Group in Rio
The first night of the Special Group parades in Rio de Janeiro showcased performances from Acadêmicos de Niterói, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Portela, and Estação Primeira de Mangueira.
Black rooster let loose at Sapucaí at the start of the Acadêmicos de Niterói parade
A black rooster was released at the start of the Acadêmicos de Niterói parade in Sapucaí, symbolizing a ritual to ward off bad spirits amidst various challenges faced before the parade.
Acadêmicos de Niterói opens Rio's Carnival with homage to Lula
The samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói opened Rio de Janeiro's Special Group Carnival parades with a tribute to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, raising concerns over potential political propaganda ahead of the 2026 elections.
With a revealing costume and lights, Vanessa Rangeli debuts as the queen of the Niterói drum section
Vanessa Rangeli debuts as the queen of the Acadêmicos de Niterói during the special group parade, showcasing a dazzling costume equipped with lights.
'My father is very happy with me,' says Paulo Vieira about living as Lula in the parade of the Acadêmicos de Niterói
'My father is very happy with me,' says humorist Paulo Vieira who portrayed Lula at the Acadêmicos de Niterói parade.
Lula must be celebrated, says Camila Pitanga about the plot of the Acadêmicos de Niterói
Camila Pitanga expresses her belief that Lula should be celebrated, hinting at her possible participation in the upcoming Carnival parade in Rio.
Video shows falls of master drummer and flag bearer from Acadêmicos do Tatuapé after slipping on oil from a float
A master drummer and flag bearer from the Acadêmicos do Tatuapé samba school experienced a fall during a parade due to slipping on oil, but both quickly recovered and continued.
Tatuapé's Float Honor 'Biggest Supporter' of the School Will Distribute All Food from the Allegory to Communities in Zona Leste
The Acadêmicos do Tatuapé concluded their parade with a float celebrating the harvest and honoring a deceased young supporter, with food from the float to be donated to local communities in São Paulo's Zona Leste.
Dragões, Tatuapé and Vai-Vai stand out on the 1st day of the Special Group of the 2026 carnival in SP
The first day of the Special Group of São Paulo's 2026 carnival featured highlights from Dragões da Real, Acadêmicos do Tatuapé, and Vai-Vai, focusing on themes such as female empowerment, nature, and spirituality.
Oil on the track after the parade of Acadêmicos do Tatuapé causes delay and makes Vai-Vai enter the avenue at dawn
The Vai-Vai parade was delayed until dawn due to oil spilled on the track from a previous performance by Acadêmicos do Tatuapé.
Raí says that the plot of the Acadêmicos do Tatuapé about the MST 'legitimizes a necessary movement for the country'
Former football player Raí supports the Acadêmicos do Tatuapé's tribute to the MST, highlighting the importance of land reform in Brazil.
Janja is the first first lady to parade in a samba school in Rio de Janeiro
Janja, the current first lady of Brazil, will be the first to ever participate in a samba school parade in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, representing the Acadêmicos de Niterói.
Petistas fear relegation of samba school that honors Lula
Petista leaders are concerned about the poor performance of the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school, which could risk being relegated in the upcoming Rio de Janeiro carnival parade.